Find out so much more about this innovative teaching and learning programme about Ireland and the EU, created by educators for educators. Click HERE to discover a unique programme on active European citizenship. It is designed to support primary school teachers in their teaching for active European citizenship, developing critical thinking and deliberative skills.
After registering, you will have access to free resources for children between 5 and 12 years old. Resources include an information video under 5 minute long, a detailed lesson plan, a set of powerpoint slides, a fun four question quiz and further resources for each of the six lessons available. Teachers have the flexibility to adjust the lessons to their class level.
Click here for all that you need to know about My Big Friendly Guide to the European Union: www.bfgtoeu.com
We are developing a web-based toolkit of resources to teach in Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle. The resources, Discuss, Argue, Build the European Union - DAB the EU - will be available from March 2023.
Description of 'Sharing our stories': 
'Sharing Our Stories' is an exchange project designed to explore local cultural heritage through investigative and creative methodologies. Students embark on a journey to discover the stories, mythology, heritage and customs of their locality. Through the Etwinning partnership with another school, they collaborate on the presentation of their researched local knowledge with each other, and celebrate the diversity and richness of European culture! Please note this project is for EU countries only and it is aimed at students aged from 8-12 years old.
Aims:
This project aims to develop skills in research, critical thinking, cultural awareness and appreciation, and empathy and understanding. Using methodologies inspired by cognitivism, connectivism and multiple intelligences theory, this project guides students through a series of stages that promotes self-directed learning and inquiry-based learning techniques.
Work Processes:
The project is split into 5 stages. Each stage comes with both teacher and student resources, including lesson plans, learning outcomes and student-friendly worksheets. Each stage progresses approximately every 3 weeks with appropriate time for school holidays taken into account. Classes will exchange their research with each other throughout each stage of the project, be given the opportunity to communicate, ask questions and consider the similarities and diversities of each locality. Stage 1 begins in January 2023 with the Stage 5 aiming to be complete by the end of May 2023. An optional Stage 6 can be included as a celebration of achievement and overall presentation of research completed. The stages are designed to gradually improve research techniques over time, incorporating slightly more challenging yet achievable tasks at each progression.
Expected Results:
The project aims to encourage an overall appreciation of diversity, cultural heritage and EU knowledge. This is inclusive of linguistics, geography, history and social subjects. Additionally, the schools will endeavor to create a shared presentation of their local cultural heritage on a digital platform to celebrate their collaboration. On an individual level, the project promotes student-led learning and fosters a connection with local culture and research-based education. It also stimulates learning and appreciation of other cultures and building a connection with them.
As part of BFGTOEU, you can also register for a Design for Change project. This is not compulsory. It is aimed at developing socially conscious projects which are helpful at the local level while also connecting with stakeholders at the European level.
The BFGTOEU and Design for Change teams are here all the way to support you and your students!
Through the collaboration between BFGTOEU and Design for Change, we are effecting active citizenship at the community, local and European levels. Click here to find more what Design for Change offers.
